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Menu for the Commercial Travellers' Association of Queensland luncheon held on board QGS LUCINDA.
Menu for the Commercial Travellers' Association of Queensland luncheon held on board QGS LUCINDA.

Menu for the Commercial Travellers' Association of Queensland luncheon held on board QGS LUCINDA.

Date22 April 1908
Object numberANMS0518[002]
NameMenu
MediumInk, paper.
DimensionsHeight: 180mm, width: 188mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionMenu for the Commercial Travellers' Association of Queensland luncheon held in Brisbane on board QGS LUCINDA.HistoryThe Queensland State Government Steamer LUCINDA was an iron-hulled, paddle-wheeled vessel built by William Denny and Son in Dumbarton in 1884. LUCINDA was the Queensland Government launch from 1885 until 1925, hosting cabinet meetings and entertaining guests such as the Duke and Duchess of York in 1901. Perhaps the most notable event to take place onboard occured on 27 March 1891 when a sub-committee tasked with drawing up a draft constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia boarded LUCINDA. Samuel Griffith, Charles Kingston and Edmund Barton were among the group. LUCINDA was later used as a mailship and coal lighter before ending service in 1932.SignificanceQGS LUCINDA holds an important place in the development of Australia as a nation as it was on board this vessel that the draft constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia was drawn up in 1891. Shipboard menus such as these were often printed to be souvenirs and were collected as mementos of their travels by crew and passengers. Many shipping companies produced their own series of collectable menus with themes such as exotic destinations or historic events.